Vacant Offices in London

Leonie Cooper: Are you monitoring the number of vacant offices in London and if so, to what extent has the number of unused/vacant office spaces changed since March 2020?

The Mayor: My officers are reviewing what data is available on vacant offices. Once they have looked at the available data, we will analyse it to determine what insights it can provide into future office usage patterns and how the sector is changing.
My Workspace Advisory Group is also advising me on the impact COVID is having on flexible workspaces across London, how the sector is adapting to the new ways of working and the new office trends that are emerging.
I have recently commissioned research on the economic future of London’s Central Activity Zone (CAZ), an area of central London that generates almost 10 per cent of the UK’s economic. The research, among other elements, will look at future office use and new trends.

Events Industry in London

Shaun Bailey: What steps are you taking to make London more credible to the events industry?

The Mayor: London is one of the world’s greatest host cities for major international events, from business conferences to trade fairs to sporting events. I have made the case to government for additional financial support for those who work in the industry.
Since 2016, London & Partners (L&P), my official promotion agency, has attracted over 1000 events to the capital.
After the initial lockdown was announced, L&P launched #LondonLovesEvents, which showcased virtual site visits on their Convention Bureau website to promote London’s venues to their event planner audience in the absence of physical site visits. This has been particularly important in ensuring London stays top of mind for global events and helping to generate future bookings. L&P are promoting London as a destination for hybrid events, highlighting the technological expertise of London’s venues to enable event planners to increase their attendees virtually whilst also running a live event. To date, L&P have generated £6million in economic benefit to London as a result of securing major congresses and conventions from 2021 onwards.

Data Privacy

Tony Devenish: What assurances can you give that London will not follow the example of other jurisdictions and cities including Moscow and Los Angeles where local authorities are increasingly making disproportionate demands for ride-hailing operators to turn over passenger geolocation data which, evidence suggests, can be susceptible to third-party interference and other serious privacy violations?

The Mayor: It is important to note that Transport for London (TfL) operates under entirely different legislation and with very different powers to other regulators around the world.
TfL does not have any plans to ask operators to provide it with geolocation data. Any such proposal would be subject to consultation and may require a change to legislation.
All personal data is handled by TfL in adherence with the GDPR and data protection legislation.

Crossrail (2)

Alison Moore: How will TfL ensure the final phase of Crossrail is on time and on budget?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/4039.

London Overground services on Boxing Day

Caroline Pidgeon: In answer to question 2020/2572 you stated that “No decision has yet been made around services on London Overground during the Christmas/New Year period.”
As it is now November and only weeks away until Christmas will you provide Londoners with clarity as to what service will actually be provided on the London Overground on Boxing Day and throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

The Mayor: Planning and decision-making on Christmas and New Year services is fully underway, in line with previous years. Transport for London (TfL) normally shares Christmas and New Year services and closure information with customers in early December, and is on track to do the same this year, allowing customers plenty of time to plan their journeys before the festive period. TfL will ensure that the London Assembly is briefed on festive travel plans.

Delivery of lower speeds on roads (2)

Caroline Russell: I understand that, due to budget constraints, Transport for London (TfL) has had to pause the roll-out of lower speed sections of road as part of your Vision Zero programme. Given the benefits shown from the walking and cycling measures in your Streetspace programme, will you now bring forward simpler and cheaper measures, such as a blanket 20mph limit or 20mph limits to lower speeds on larger sections of the roads you control?

The Mayor: The Transport for London (TfL) and Department for Transport (DfT) funding settlement enables design work to recommence on phase 2 of TfL’s vital programme to lower speed limits on a further 140km of the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN).
TfL has also taken opportunities to introduce 20mph speed limits into London Streetspace schemes being delivered as part of the funding agreement with the DfT in May 2020. 20mph speed limits have recently been introduced on Park Lane and Hampstead Road and are planned on further routes, including Cycleways 7 and 8.
Phase 2 of the programme to lower speed limits has, as far as possible, been coordinated to reduce TLRN speed limits along whole corridors or borough-wide to provide road users with a consistent speed limit and maximise road danger reduction. Current projects in design include the A107 Homerton High Street, A13 Commercial Road, A10 Great Cambridge Road and A23 London Road as well as the remaining sections of TLRN across the City of Westminster.

LFB research (1)

Andrew Dismore: When is the research of Professor James Bilzon expected to conclude?

The Mayor: The Physiological trials led by Professor James Bilzon of the University of Bath are expected to conclude by the end of February 2021.

London Living Wage

Leonie Cooper: Can you update me on how the London Living Wage campaign has adapted to deal with COVID-19 and the decrease in employment and wages as a result?

The Mayor: The Living Wage movement continues to grow and there are now 2000 Living Wage employers in London, including over 230 employers added since the first lockdown started. The Living Wage Foundation has engaged with its network to support their commitment to the real Living Wage at this difficult time. They have bought together stories of employers and workers who have been helping vulnerable people, local communities and frontline workers.
During the pandemic, the Living Wage campaign has focused in particular on fair pay for key workers - such as cleaners, delivery drivers, supermarket workers and carers - who the nation has relied on even more than usual in recent months. The campaign is focused on how it can support a fairer economy as we rebuild from the pandemic, with workers receiving a decent wage and being better protected from future shocks.
I am pleased that despite the challenges, this year’s virtual Living Wage Week was a great success. I congratulate everyone involved. During the week, I announced the new London rate of £10.85 an hour, up 10 pence since last year. This means over 84,000 workers in London will receive a pay increase.

Good Work Standard

Leonie Cooper: Can you update me on how the Good Work Standard has adapted to deal with COVID-19 and the decrease in employment and wages as a result?

The Mayor: The Good Work Standard community continues to grow and is now 90 organisations strong and covering 210,000 employees in London. City Hall has provided support and signposting to employers including on diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, resilience and fair pay.
The Good Work Standard’s core principles remain more relevant than ever. As we come to understand the longer-term impact on Londoner’s working lives, my officers will work with employers, unions, HR professionals and colleagues in other city regions to understand and promote best practice, to consider if changes are needed to the Good Work Standard and to develop additional guidance as needed.
Through the Good Work for All mission, we are aligning to the Good Work Standard with an explicit action to promote good work with employers and job creation initiatives such as the green recovery. As part of this, we are seeking commitment across partners to good work and the core elements of fair pay, secure work and inclusive workplaces.

Four Day Week (1)

Leonie Cooper: I understand that the GLA currently has no plans to undertake research into a four day week and is instead looking to other cities. Can you detail what engagement or research you have undertaken in learning from other cities on this issue?

The Mayor: As the Mayor of London, I’m doing everything I can to foster international co-operation, with existing mayoral networks being repurposed to exchange advice and resources. I recently co-chaired an International Recovery Summit with other mayors and leaders from around the world where we discussed what practical steps local and national governments can take to deal with the enormous impact of the pandemic on jobs and livelihoods. I also have an international team who research best practice from around the globe. This includes looking at the future of work and the role that flexible working will play in our recovery. I am committed to lead by example to encourage flexible practices throughout the GLA.
I know that many campaigners are keen that we move to a 28-30 hour working week over four days. What I have seen coming from other cities and Governments is growing interest in the model and I am watching with interest the small-scale pilots currently underway in a range of cities. I think it’s an interesting and important proposition that we need to take consider, especially in the context of our economic recovery from the pandemic. I think it’s doubtless that for many people, the way we work will change.

Four Day Week (2)

Leonie Cooper: Given the mental health implications of working from home in a pandemic for many Londoners, will the London Recovery Board conduct an assessment of the benefits of a four day week for London’s economy as part of building back better?

The Mayor: Throughout the pandemic, London’s workers have shown immense resilience and whilst we battle COVID-19. Seemingly overnight, millions of workers found themselves faced with remarkably different working conditions, and I am proud of the way Londoners have risen to the occasion.
I am a great advocate of all types of flexible working. It is a great way for employers to support the wellbeing of its workforce. I know that many campaigners are keen that we move to a 28-30 hour working week over four days. Whilst this isn’t an area the Recovery Board has decided to focus on as part of its nine missions, I think it’s an interesting and important proposition that we need to consider. I think it’s doubtless that for many people, the way we work will change.
The pandemic has had and will continue to have wide-reaching and long-term impacts on Londoners’ mental health and wellbeing. Through the London Recovery Board, we will develop a wellbeing ambassador scheme that offers culturally appropriate training, support and coaching and support good work for all.

‘One Risk’ solution (1)

Andrew Dismore: What are the estimated costs of the ‘One Risk‘ solution to consolidate building risk information into one database?

The Mayor: The capital programme currently includes an allocation of £2.2 million for the OneRisk project.

‘One Risk’ solution (2)

Andrew Dismore: Are budget constraints likely to hold back the completion and roll out of the ‘One Risk’ solution to consolidate building risk information into one database?

The Mayor: The capital budget allocation for OneRisk is to be included in London Fire Brigade’s budget submission and is subject to the decision making process for the 2021/22 budget. This is an initial estimate with final costs to be determined by the tendering process.

Taxi and Private Hire Trade

David Kurten: Given the new safety law banning touching mobile phone devices when driving, how will TfL ensure that Private Hire drivers comply with this, so that they do not touch any mobile devices to take a new job, or search for directions, unless they are stationary?

The Mayor: I am concerned about the potential for any distraction for motorists, especially if it may impair their ability to drive safely, which can put them and other road users at risk.
Transport for London’s (TfL’s) safety advice for drivers and other road users is clear, and aligned with the law, stating that the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving is illegal.
Thelaw makes it an offenceto use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.This only capturescertain types of use.I am aware of the ongoing Governmentconsultation which contains a proposal toexpandthe offence of using a hand-held mobile phone while drivingto include non-connected mobile application actions.However,at presentthere is no new safetylaw banningthetouching of mobile phone deviceswhen driving.
Theconsultation documentsays:“Theproposal will still apply only in circumstances where a driver picks up the phone to use it while driving; any change we make to the law on the use of hand-held mobile phones arising from this consultation will not affect the use of mobile phones which are positioned in a cradle and used while remaining in the cradle (for example as a satnav).”
Therefore,the scenario set out in your question,which is relevant tobothtaxiand private hiredrivers,wouldnotbe in the scope of theproposed legislationthatis being consulted on.

Gaps in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

Leonie Cooper: In your answer to MQ2020/2282 you pledged to continue to call for additional support for Londoners missing out on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, stating that between a quarter and a third of London’s 869,000 self-employed remain excluded from support. With the commencement of a second lockdown, will you continue to lobby the Government on this important issue?

The Mayor: I wrote to Government, with London Councils, at the beginning of November to ask them to extend the support for the self-employed.
The furlough extension and additional support for the self-employed is welcome, but the self-employed scheme still has significant gaps that must be rectified - leaving out the newly self-employed, those who pay themselves in dividends, those earning a mix of PAYE and self-employed income, freelancers, and some sole traders.
I will continue to work closely with the business community to identify urgent actions as well as opportunities for joint working and advocacy on the key challenges affecting our economic recovery.We will continue to update the London Business Hub with useful guidance for the self-employed on COVID-19.

Additional Restrictions Grant

Leonie Cooper: The Government’s Additional Restrictions Grant provides a lump sum of £20 per head to Local Authorities to support business activities. I am concerned that providing a business support grant on the basis of resident population, not number of businesses, risks disadvantaging London boroughs with a high number of businesses, such as Camden and Westminster. Will you be lobbying the Government to ensure businesses in these boroughs are not unfairly treated?

The Mayor: I will continue to push for London to receive its fair share of economic support. The additional grants to businesses being administrated by local government are significantly smaller than those seen in the first lockdown and additional economic support will be needed.
The calculation of£20per resident for the Additional Restrictions Grantwill also lead to vastly different levels of support across London, and it does not reflect the needs of boroughs sectors or sub regions of London, including the Central Activities Zone It would be much fairer to include an additional sum based on the number of businesses per borough.

Furlough extension

Leonie Cooper: While I welcome the Chancellor’s extension of the Coronavirus Job Support Scheme, I am concerned it represents another last minute u-turn from the Government. Do you agree that many Londoners would not have been made unemployed if the Chancellor had announced this decision even one month earlier?

The Mayor: The Government’s dithering will mean higher unemployment and will have harmed the economy. The independent Resolution Foundation has made clear that the delay will have cost jobs.
As large-scale redundancies need at least 30 days consultation, if the extension to the furlough scheme had been announced on 5 October instead of 5 November, it is possible that many Londoners may not have been made unemployed.
It is also highly possible that the impact of the delayed U-turn was greater in London. At the end of August, 75% of London’s furloughed employments were fully furloughed (417,100), and, therefore, even when the economy started opening many workers were still not being brought back.

Upcoming Spending Review (3)

Leonie Cooper: Do London Local Authorities need additional support via the Spending Review, to ensure that they can help businesses prepare for late information about the Brexit deal – or to help them prepare for a no-deal Brexit?

The Mayor: Yes, they do. In six weeks time, whether there is a trade deal or not, hundreds of thousands of businesses will be trading with the EU for the first time as a “third country” outside the single market and customs union.
The Government has failed to provide any certainty for businesses about the changes they will need to make; or support to do this in reasonable time.
I urged the Chancellor in my submission to the Spending Review to devolve to London a fair share of national funding for Local Enterprise Partnerships; and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy recently confirmed to my officials it will allocate some time-limited funding to Local Enterprise Partnerships for Brexit preparedness.
But the GLA and London local government will require additional and ongoing funding to put in place sufficient resources to support local businesses; and none has been made available yet.

TfL car park developments (4)

Susan Hall: Will TfL list the development partners they have assigned to their projects to build over station car parks at (i) High Barnet (ii) Cockfosters (iii) Arnos Grove and (iv) Finchley Central?

The Mayor: Taylor Wimpey was appointed as the development partner for both High Barnet and Finchley Central. Cockfosters and Arnos Grove form part of Connected Living London, the long-term strategic Build to Rent partnership between Transport for London (TfL) and Grainger plc.
TfL announced both these development partners in 2019 following competitive procurement processes, and since then TfL and its partners have been working with communities on the development proposals. Further information on TfL’s development partners can be found here: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/business-and-commercial/property-development

Woolwich Ferries

Shaun Bailey: What is the latest with Woolwich Ferries?

The Mayor: In February, I announced that Transport for London (TfL) would take over the maintenance and operation of the Woolwich Ferry by the end of the year. The contract with the current operator, Briggs Marine, expired on 31 March 2020 and a short extension was agreed to ensure a smooth transition. TfL issued Briggs Marine with three months’ notice to the short contract extension in September, which means it will take over the ferry by the end of the year as planned.
Bringing the ferry in house will enable TfL to increase the focus on its performance and deliver an improved customer experience. TfL has already seen significant improvements in the technical reliability of the vessels since the summer and are working hard to ensure this continues.

TfL car park developments (6)

Susan Hall: Will TfL list the amounts they have contracted to pay the development partners they have assigned to their projects to build over station car parks at (i) High Barnet (ii) Cockfosters (iii) Arnos Grove and (iv) Finchley Central?

The Mayor: Transport for London has not entered any contracts to build these projects yet.

TfL car park developments (9)

Susan Hall: How much land does TfL intend to transfer or sell as a result of their station car park building programme?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor's Question 2020/4161.
Transport for London’s (TfL) aim is to create a long-term sustainable revenue from its land; therefore the most valuable development sites are brought forward in joint ventures with developers meaning TfL retains an interest in the sites. Otherwise TfL retains freehold interest and sells long leases of varying lengths. TfL only disposes of non-operational land which is surplus to requirements.

TfL car park developments (8)

Susan Hall: How much additional borrowing does TfL intend to take on as a result of its plans to build over station car parks at (i) High Barnet (ii) Cockfosters (iii) Arnos Grove and (iv) Finchley Central?

The Mayor: Transport for London does not require any additional borrowing for these projects.

Because I'm a Londoner Funding

Susan Hall: Please can you provide a full breakdown of funding for the Because I’m a Londoner Campaign?

The Mayor: The “Because I’m a Londoner” campaign was designed and led by L&P and their partners. It is not a GLA campaign.
The total budget for the campaign is £628,251, with contributions of £280,000 from the GLA, £208,000 from London & Partners’ budget, and £140,251 from L&P’s partners.
The £280,000 funding from GLA was originally allocated for their industry-led Domestic Tourism Consortium campaign in 2020-21, which had to be halted as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, was reallocated to the “Because I’m a Londoner” campaign.

London & Partners Extra Funding

Susan Hall: You recently said that you gave “extra funding to London & Partners (L&P) to allow them to significantly increase their presence in key markets, putting teams in Paris, Berlin, Bangalore, Shenzhen, Toronto and Chicago for the first time.” Please can you confirm how much funding was given, how much has been spent and confirm if this is in addition to the £13m GLA funding London & Partners receives?

The Mayor: The GLA gave £1,707m of additional funding to London & Partners (L&P) to allow them to increase their overseas presence. L&P set up new teams in Paris, Berlin, Bangalore, Shenzhen, Toronto and Chicago, as well as placing extra staff in their existing offices in San Francisco and New York.
This funding was split across two financial years with £352,000 included in the GLA grant funding to L&P of £11,543m for the 2017/2018 financial year, and £1,355,000 included in the GLA grant funding of £13,655,000 for the 2018-2019 financial year. All of this funding has been spent.

TfL Staff

Shaun Bailey: How many colleagues from Transport for London (TfL) and its partner organisations, have passed away in service due to coronavirus related illness? Please provide a breakdown.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) acknowledges the devastating loss of all transport workers who have sadly passed away due to Coronavirus related illnesses.
As of the 19 November, a total of 48 colleagues from Transport for London (TfL) and its partner organisations, had passed away in service due to coronavirus related illness.
Each death of a TfL or partner organisation colleague is a tragic loss which we treat with sensitivity and respect. Each of these deaths is a tragic loss for the families and loved ones of our colleagues who have passed away and we treat each death with sensitivity and respect. The families of each employee have received a letter of condolence and all colleagues and their dependents continue to have access to our Employee Assistance Programme which can provide emotional support.
A breakdown by business area has been provided in the attached table.
Sadly, we’ve also lost other transport workers employed by other organisations operating in London, and some self-employed staff like taxi and private hire drivers. TfL does not have access to records on the numbers of these staff who has lost their lives, but our thoughts remain with them and their loved ones.

Piccadilly Line services (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: Following the much reduced air travel at Heathrow, will TfL consider the balance of trains that serve the Piccadilly Line route beyond Acton Town to Heathrow and the trains that serve Uxbridge? Could the much reduced number of people travelling to Heathrow provide an opportunity to increase the frequency of trains serving Uxbridge?

The Mayor: Normal services are operating on the Piccadilly line to support social distancing, and this is planned to continue while the requirement for social distancing remains. Demand data from this autumn indicates that the Heathrow branch is still twice as busy as the Uxbridge branch at its busiest point, and the current service level is helping to maintain social distancing on both branches. Any future timetable changes will be based on post-coronavirus demand forecasts, and will take into account any changes to travel patterns as a result of the pandemic.

Support for freelance workers during coronavirus

Caroline Russell: More than 3 million people in the UK were not eligible for furlough and some subsequent schemes including the newly self-employed and PAYE freelancers. Will you write to the government to ensure they will be supported during the second lockdown?

The Mayor: I wrote to Government with London Councils at the beginning of November about support during national restrictions.This included extension of the support for the self-employers, better support for those required to self-isolate, urgently delivering additional support for businesses and local authorities.
While many businesses wait to safely reopen or adapt to operating in yet another different environment, the Government must do everything within its powers to support the UK’s economy. The furlough extension and additional support for the self-employed is welcome, but the self-employed scheme still has significant gaps that must be rectified. It leaves out the newly self-employed, those who pay themselves in dividends, those earning a mix of PAYE and self-employed income, freelancers, and some sole traders.
More than anything else, freelancers need clarity, so that they can map out how to come back stronger.We will continue to update the London Business Hub with useful guidance for businesses and employers on COVID-19.

London’s built environment (1)

Andrew Dismore: MHCLG has shared data with London Fire Brigade that states there in excess of 72,000 premises in London which will fall into higher risk categories, including care homes, sheltered housing blocks and hospitals. How are you working with the Government to address the risks in London’s built environment?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) review of the data provided by central Government suggests the correct figure is slightly over 62,000. These premises are in addition to the high-rise premises which form part of the Building Risk Review exercise of high-rise residential blocks and does not necessarily directly relate to the presence of cladding or other potentially combustible external wall systems.
LFB has not yet been provided with a list of the premises concerned but believes that many, if not all, of the premises are already part of ongoing inspection work and subject to audit or re-audit programmed in as part of the ongoing programme of work.
The London Fire Commissioner and his officers are in ongoing dialogue with central Government about the development of the enhanced building safety regime that the Government is bringing forward.

Delivery of lower speeds on roads (1)

Caroline Russell: I understand that, due to budget constraints, Transport for London (TfL) has had to pause the roll-out of lower speed sections of road as part of your Vision Zero programme. Does the TfL funding deal with the Government now enable you to resume this important road danger reduction work?

The Mayor: The Transport for London (TfL) and Department for Transport (DfT) funding settlement enables design work to restart on phase 2 of TfL’s vital programme to lower speed limits on a further 140km of Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). Key projects include the A107 Homerton High Street, A13 corridor in Tower Hamlets, A10 Great Cambridge Road and A23 London Road as well as the remaining TLRN in City of Westminster.
Where opportunities exist, TfL has also introduced 20mph speed limits into schemes being delivered under the London Streetspace Programme, funded as part of the government settlement in May 2020. 20mph speed limits have recently been introduced on Park Lane and Hampstead Road, and are planned on further routes including Cycleways 7 and 8.

Implication of 24/7 bus lane trials (2)

Florence Eshalomi: Can the Mayor confirm that the 24/7 bus lane trials process was consulted upon in a suitably transparent manner?

The Mayor: The change to the operating hours of bus lanes on the Transport for London Road Network, and associated changes to parking, have been implemented using an experimental Traffic Regulation Order.
As is normal for trial changes of this nature, Transport for London (TfL) consulted with statutory stakeholders such as boroughs and the emergency services prior to implementation. TfL has also been undertaking a public awareness campaign to promote these trial changes, including radio advertising, posters at bus stops, letters to affected frontages and online engagement.
As this is a trial, TfL encourages feedback from the public to help improve the effectiveness of these measures. Any impacted party can submit feedback to TfL via the website: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/all-day-bus-lanes/
This process is ongoing, and where concerns are raised by local residents and businesses, TfL will review sites on an individual basis.
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/3713.

TfL car park developments (1)

Susan Hall: How much has TfL spent on its station car park building programme?

The Mayor: At the beginning of my Mayoralty, I set Transport for London (TfL) a clear task to turn its underutilised land into thousands of affordable homes, and to create a long-term sustainable revenue stream which can be reinvested into London’s transport network. Since then TfL has identified over 50 development sites across London, of which 14 are station car parks, covering approximately 16 acres. Space in these car parks will be transformed into over 3,500 homes, of which 64 per cent will be affordable.
To date, TfL has invested in the region of £16.4m in these 14 projects. This is a mixture of consultancy spend and purchasing equity within the joint ventures. This figure is as per TfL’s budget and is required to develop the long-term revenue streams outlined in its Business Plan.

Training Programme and the Grenfell Inquiry phase 1 recommendations (2)

Andrew Dismore: Meeting the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry phase 1 will require firefighters to attend training courses in order to develop skills. What financial pressure does this put LFB under and how is Government supporting LFB in this work?

The Mayor: The cost of these additional training requirements is currently estimated to be £1.66 million, combined for both 2020/21 and 2021/22. Not all training costs are yet known, as some of the new training is still in the process of being commissioned. The Government has established a £7 million Grenfell Infrastructure Fund to support the implementation of the Grenfell recommendations. London Fire Brigade (LFB) has received £1.3 million of this funding and is determining how this funding will be utilised. In addition, LFB’s Fire Safety Department has access to a £5m Protection Fund grant which will be utilised for staffing, learning and development, and new technology.

Training Programme and the Grenfell Inquiry phase 1 recommendations (1)

Andrew Dismore: Meeting the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry phase 1 will require firefighters to attend training courses in order to develop skills. How many hours training on average will frontline firefighters be expected to undertake?

The Mayor: At present, firefighters will be required to undertake 37.5 hours of training to develop skills to meet the recommendations from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry. Eight of these training hours will need to be repeated every 48 months in order to maintain skills. Further training is currently in development which will require frontline firefighters to complete a further 62 hours of training. These additional training courses will be available within the next six months.
A smaller group of approximately 250 firefighters will also need to undertake a further 66 hours of training to develop aerial appliance skills.Once the initial training is complete regular training to maintain these skills will be put in place but the total number of hours required to be undertaken by each firefighter is yet to be determined.

TfL car park developments (2)

Susan Hall: How much has TfL spent on its plans to build over station car parks at (i) High Barnet (ii) Cockfosters (iii) Arnos Grove and (iv) Finchley Central?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has invested £3.5m into these four sites. Of this, £1.1m was incurred on consultants required to develop planning applications, including architects, planning consultants, heritage advisors and landscape architects. The remaining spend includes £2.0m for TfL’s equity investment into the joint venture and a range of other fees and charges, including legal fees.

LFB Response to a Second Wave (4)

Andrew Dismore: How important are the continuation of multi-pump exercises during the second wave of Covid-19?

The Mayor: The continuation of multi-pump exercises provides the opportunity for London Fire Brigade (LFB) crews to build on what they have learnt in the face-to-face training and put that learning into practical application
Multi-pump exercises provide realistic training not only for LFB staff, but also for blue light partners. The London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police Service continue to support these exercises during the current COVID-19 restrictions. Where appropriate, neighbouring fire brigades can also take part in multi-pump exercises, contributing to the cross-border training recommendation made within the HMICFRS inspection.
In light of this continued importance, LFB has put in place strict COVID-19 controls at all multi-pump exercises with a robust track and trace system in place for all external agencies to use when taking part in the exercises. LFB also provides a comprehensive safety brief prior to the start of the exercises.

LFB Response to a Second Wave (3)

Andrew Dismore: Is non-risk critical training expected to continue during the second wave of Covid-19? Why is this?

The Mayor: All of the face-to-face training that is currently being provided is risk-critical. Control measures are in place to allow the delivery of face-to-face training with minimal risk to personnel. The Fire Brigades Union has been consulted throughout and agreement reached at each stage before reinstating training courses. Non-risk critical training that can be completed remotely (non face-to-face) will continue.

London’s built environment (4)

Andrew Dismore: How are you working with and lobbying Government in order to address the risks in London’s built environment? Has this been fruitful?

The Mayor: As Mayor of London, I have responded to the vast majority of Government consultations on building safety since Grenfell and have written numerous letters setting out the action Government needs to take. These can be read at the link below. I have been pleased to see positive movement on a number of changes I have been calling for; most notably the combustible materials ban, the subsequent intention to lower the trigger height for the ban, and the move to require sprinklers in a greater number of buildings.
In addition, the London Fire Commissioner meets regularly with Ministers and other relevant stakeholders about the reforms being made to the existing legislative regime and other aspects of the built environment. London Fire Brigade officers, together with colleagues from the National Fire Chiefs Council, are in ongoing contact and discussion with the government officials tasked with the development of amendments to the existing legislative regimes. That dialogue has been fruitful in highlighting issues and aiding the development of solutions to provide for an enhanced and enforceable fire safety regime. I discuss these matters at my meetings with the London Fire Commissioner and have made numerous representations to Government on these issues.
https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/housing-and-land/housing-and-land-publications/responses-and-correspondence-building-regulations-and-fire-safety

Waking watches (2)

Andrew Dismore: The numbers of buildings with waking watches in London is currently estimated to be 420 rising. How much has monitoring interim measures like this increased the workload of LFB post-Grenfell?

The Mayor: Monitoring interim measures when a building has a waking watch implemented requires a range of London Fire Brigade (LFB) resources. A visit will be conducted by a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer, which takes approximately one working day. Additionally, fire stations send a fire engine with a crew of four to six firefighters to check arrangements in place on average every two weeks, though there may be variations such as more regular visits for a new notification. Government funding has been provided to support the Building Risk Review programme. As part of that work, a High-Risk Premises Team monitors buildings where the strategy has temporarily changed to simultaneous evacuation and a waking watch is implemented.

Woolwich Ferries

Shaun Bailey: Have the widely reported problems with the Woolwich ferries been resolved?

The Mayor: I am delighted that TfL is set to take over the contract to operate the ferry. This will bring a renewed focus on customers’ needs, including better reliability and customer service. There will also be a new, more robust management structure to continue to drive these improvements.
Transport for London (TfL) has carried out a significant amount of work over the past few months to identify operational and technical deficiencies, which have contributed to a lower than acceptable service reliability and resilience, particularly in 2019 and the early part of 2020.
As part of this work, some significant technical upgrade and modification work is planned to start in mid-December 2020, which will improve reliability and resilience in addition to the improvements TfL has achieved in recent months.

Emotional Support for Closed Businesses

Leonie Cooper: As well as the financial challenges brought by the latest lockdown, there is a huge emotional cost to many small businesses owners who have spent the last few months making their businesses COVID-secure in the hope of re-opening. What advice and support can these business owners be given (for example peer-to-peer advice)?

The Mayor: The emotional strain that business owners are facing right now cannot be underestimated. That is why I continue to support Thrive London, a citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners. London Business Hub advisers have had access to 5 mental health and wellbeing special webinar sessions since the beginning of the pandemic. These have covered areas that would help them build resilience & calm in time of uncertainty, boost happiness, manage anxiety and maintain positive psychology, kindness and values. These have helped to cultivate a positive & considered mindset for purposeful engagement with businesses.
At a very basic level just having someone to talk to, so business owners do not feel isolated, can share their concerns and can find out where to get more help is very valuable.
The Covid-19 Hub on my London Business Hub website provides a mental health and wellbeing resource pack to support businesses and individuals who are suffering from the difficulties of the past few months.
My team are also enabling peer to peer networks that are being delivered across London in partnership with business bodies, BIDs, faith organisations and many others. This is enabling likeminded individuals to get together and discuss their challenges, pitfalls and learn from best practice and motivate each other through difficult times.

TfL car park developments (13)

Susan Hall: When does TfL intend to submit planning applications in relation to its proposals to build over station car parks at (i) High Barnet (ii) Cockfosters (iii) Arnos Grove and (iv) Finchley Central?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) and its development partners aim to submit planning applications for High Barnet, Cockfosters and Finchley Central in the coming months. The Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainty over TfL’s long-term funding caused delays to TfL developing these applications.
The planning application for Arnos Grove was submitted by Connected Living London – the long-term strategic partnership between TfL and Grainger PLC – earlier this year.

TfL car park developments (10)

Susan Hall: What audit arrangements has TfL set up in relation to its plans to build over station car parks at (i) High Barnet (ii) Cockfosters (iii) Arnos Grove and (iv) Finchley Central?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) internal governance is defined by its Standing Orders. Its development programme, like all TfL’s major projects, is subject to Independent Investment Programmes Advisory Group (IIPAG) and TfL Internal Audit process. In addition, the Commercial Development Advisory Group (CDAG) provides external, senior-level oversight of the development programme.
Development partners were selected by a competitive procurement process, and within each joint venture project TfL has appropriate governance and board processes to ensure the appropriate spending of funds. Joint Venture accounts are also subject to annual external audits.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Golden Quarter for Retail

Leonie Cooper: What messages are you hearing from your Business Advisory Group and other retail groups in London about the damage of COVID-19 on the usual ‘golden quarter’ for retail in the run-up to Christmas?

The Mayor: Whilst the current lockdown is necessary to stop the transmission of the virus, I understand the frustration of retailers as this is hitting them in the months when they usually make the most profit. However, acting early and decisively is best, both for public health and for the economy.
Central London is already facing significant challenges with City Hall analysis of VisitBritain figures showing that spending by tourists is set to plummet by £10.9 billion this year.
Having listened to my Business Advisory Board, retailers and other business groups I have called on the government for more targeted support for businesses most in need, to continue tax-free shopping for international visitors, and an extension to the business rate holiday beyond March 2021. I have also commissioned research into the challenges and opportunities facing the Central Activity Zone which will inform our understanding of the economic impacts on central London.
I have recently established a London Covid Business Forum, bringing together key business groups, to discuss and share ideas on the safe and full reopening of London’s economy. The group met for the first time in November.

Support for London’s Tourism Industry

Leonie Cooper: With Europe entering a second wave of Covid-19, what support does London’s tourism industry need to survive?

The Mayor: Iwelcomed the Government’s extension of the furlough scheme to March next year and confirmation that it will be at 80 per cent of wages to support Londoners through this very difficult period. London’s tourism industry needs to be able to access support via Local Restrictions Support Grants and Discretionary Grants, which should be available specifically for the hardest hit economic sectors such as tourism. Along with the chair of London Councils I have written to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to request an extension to the business rates holiday for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, which was due to end in March 2021.
When the lockdown restrictions can be safely eased, London’s tourism industry will need support to increase consumer confidence and footfall by promoting the capital to Londoners so that they can be tourists in their own city, to domestic tourists from the rest of the UK for day trips and overnight stays, and then to international tourists when international travel restrictions are eased. London & Partners have already run their ‘#Because I’m a Londoner’ campaign to build confidence and encouraging consumer spending.

No-Deal Brexit

Peter Whittle: I note your tweet of 13 October 2020 which was headed: ‘This is my final warning to the Government on Brexit.’ In it, you advised the Government to seek an extension to the EU trade negotiations, to avoid the ‘chaos and uncertainty from an impending no-deal Brexit.’ Has Her Majesty’s Government taken heed of your final warning?

The Mayor: No it hasn’t. So there will be chaos and uncertainty when we leave the single market and customs union at the end of the year, whether a trade deal is agreed or not; unless the extension of the transition period I have recommended is adopted.
Business leaders like the Confederation of British Industry have been very clear that businesses cannot afford a no deal outcome, on top of the struggles they face to survive the pandemic. In London alone it would mean 87,000 fewer jobs by 2030, on top of the catastrophic impact of coronavirus on jobs and income.
I will continue to urge the Prime Minister to listen to those concerns and extend the transition period. An extension would give our country the best chance of recovery from both the pandemic and the economic crisis it has caused.

Battersea Heliport Noise

Tony Devenish: What representations have you made to the Civil Aviation Authority on the need to reduce the noise caused by helicopters hovering as they wait to land at the Battersea Heliport?

The Mayor: The regulation of helicopter flights over London is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). I have previously made representations to the Government and the CAA that the regime governing helicopter flights over London is outdated and not fit for purpose and offers little if any protection from helicopter noise. I am concerned about the impact of helicopter noise on Londoners, particularly those in close proximity to heliports like Battersea, but ultimately this is an issue for the Government and the CAA to address. I will continue to make the case for regulatory reform, including through consultations as appropriate.

Support for London’s Tourist Industry (2)

Leonie Cooper: How has London and Partners been able to work with the tourist industry to ensure that the industry is ready to bounce back once infections are lower/a vaccine is found?

The Mayor: London & Partners has focused on specific actions in response to the Coronavirus pandemic to help keep London’s tourism industry resilient. This is vitally important at this time of significant economic challenge, particularly as London’s economy relies on international visitors and investors.
They have worked with the tourism industry on a series of measures including: offering a fees holiday to their tourism members to help them manage their financial position; convening an Alliance of 600+ London businesses to run the ‘Because I’m a Londoner’ campaign, to build confidence and encouraging consumer spending; supporting the Government’s ‘enjoy summer safely’ campaign; promoting virtual activities for London’s tourism businesses, giving them greater audience reach and keeping them front of mind for when visitors can fully return; and creating a specific cohort on their growth programme for tourism start-ups.

Cleaner vehicle discount (2)

Alison Moore: What estimates, if any, have you made of the number of PHVs that would still qualify for the Cleaner vehicle discount in 2026?

The Mayor: From 25 December 2025, the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) will expire for all vehicle types and there will be no ‘green’ discount from the Congestion Charge in order to maintain the effectiveness of the Congestion Charge scheme. Therefore, TfL does not have estimates of the number of PHVs that would qualify for the CVD in 2026.
From 1 January 2023, all PHVs licensed for the first time must be zero emission capable (ZEC) and meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

Supporting Businesses through the Pandemic

Susan Hall: How many businesses have you supported so far through schemes created in response to the coronavirus pandemic?

The Mayor: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic I have been offering a series of support services and grants to support businesses during these difficult times.
Since the start of the pandemic, the London Business Hub has supported over 1,400 businesses. This includes a programme of webinars aimed at navigating businesses through the crisis, specific support around access to finance, and help with property costs and business rates.
Through my International Business Programme run through my international promotional agency, London and Partners, I have been helping London based businesses attend virtual trade missions. MyBusiness Growth Programme continues to support SMEs operating in the science, technology and creative sectors.
The Covid-19 Recovery Grants which launched last month will support around 400 businesses with access to specialist support and or minor equipment in response to the current pandemic by the end of March 2021. My London Resilience Fund is providing £1m of grants of up to £30,000 to support innovators, small businesses, and civic society organisations. My £2.3m Culture at Risk Business Support Fund is providing emergency assistance to sustain cultural and creative venues most at risk from falling into administration due to the impact of the coronavirus. To date 126 organisations have been awarded grants to the value of £2m. My Culture at Risk Office has also been scaled up to provide urgent support and advice for more than 660 new culture sector cases impacted by the crisis. Pay It Forward London has enabled 17,000 contributions through crowdfunding, raising in excess of £1.2m to help over 370 businesses. Through my Back to Business Fund I have made a further £1m available to businesses as match-funding of up to £5,000. As of this month, just under 300 businesses had applied to this fund.
Through my Greater London Investment Fund (GLIF) I continue to ensure London SMEs have access to £100m of debt and equity funds, which includes over £4m of funds which have been repurposed as Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILs).

Residents’ discount to the Congestion Charge (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: The letter that you have received from the Secretary of State for Transport setting out an Extraordinary Funding and Financing Agreement for TfL for the period to March 2021 states: “TfL and the Mayor have proposed that this could potentially include proposals to maintain the Congestion Charging changes implemented in June 2020.” Please could you clarify whether or not this potentially includes the ending of the residents’ discount to the Congestion Charge which was implemented separately and started in August 2020?

The Mayor: The Extraordinary Funding and Financing Agreement for Transport for London (TfL) for the period to March 2021 commits TfL to “maintain, as a continuing response to the coronavirus pandemic, the current temporary changes to the Congestion Charge.” As such, for as long as the impacts of the pandemic require them, the temporary changes to the Congestion Charge including the temporary closure of the residents’ discount to new applicants, will continue to apply.
Whilst the plan to close the residents’ discount to new applicants was proposed as part of the wider package of temporary changes that came in on 22 June 2020, it was implemented at a later date on 1 August 2020. The extended window for new applications was made in response to feedback received as part of the listening exercise and impacts identified in the impact assessment.
If TfL and I consider there is a need for the temporary changes to become permanent outside of the scope of the response to the pandemic then a separate and full consultation will be undertaken before any decision is made.

Inward Investment Plans

Tony Devenish: Have you looked at Scotland’s plan targeting 50 global companies for inward investment? How are you making sure London benefits from such an approach?

The Mayor: I am aware of Scotland’s plan targeting 50 global companies for inward investment. I am proud to say that most global companies already have a presence in our capital. London & Partners (L&P), my trade, investment and promotion agency adopt a priority sector focus for London’s inward investment activity while continuing to engage with and support these global companies.
L&P’s strategy focuses on the sectors where London has competitive advantage and strengths and where there is current and future global demand. These sectors include financial and business services, tech, life sciences, and creative industries.
L&P focus on attracting scale-up businesses from these sectors who have the potential to become the global corporates of tomorrow. By convincing them to choose London for their international expansion, they are able to secure future jobs and growth for our capital city.
This strategy is delivering results even in the current challenging circumstances as L&P have helped over60 companiestoset up orexpand in London sofarthis financial year.

Is a new Crossrail station at all possible?

Murad Qureshi: With the delay in the opening of Crossrail till 2022, is it at all possible for the opening of another Crossrail station in Kensal Canalside as promoted by RBKC?

The Mayor: Delivery of the Elizabeth line is now in its complex final stages with much of the major infrastructure nearing completion, which will allow for the railway to be fully tested at the earliest opportunity in 2021.
The section of track where Kensal Canalside would be located is one of the busiest in the country. A new station in the area would need to be demonstrated to be technically and operationally feasible, as well as affordable, and to date Transport for London (TfL) has not seen any reports demonstrating this is the case. TfL is available to advise the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea on work previously undertaken with Network Rail to assess the feasibility of the station at this location. However, at present TfL’s focus is on the delivery of the original project as soon as possible.

Vision Zero target

Caroline Pidgeon: The latest reported road casualty statistics for 2019 released by Transport for London showed an increase in the number of people killed on London’s roads from 111 in 2018 to 125 in 2019. What assurances can you give Londoners that the interim Vision Zero target will be met or exceeded by 2022, of 65 per cent fewer people killed or seriously injured against the average for 2005-09?

The Mayor: I deeply regret the increase in the number of people killed on London’s roads in 2019 following the record low number in 2018. I know that every one of those people lost their life prematurely in incidents that will have profoundly affected their friends and family. That is why I have set stretching and ambitious targets for reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured while travelling in London. The 2019 data shows that the total number of deaths and serious injuries in 2019 reduced by 4 per cent compared to 2018 and by 39 per cent against the baseline years of 2005-09. My target to deliver a 65 per cent reduction in people killed or seriously injured by 2022 has already been met for some road user groups, including vehicle occupants, bus and coach occupants and children.
Nevertheless, there are no grounds for complacency. The 2022 target remains challenging but necessary and Transport for London (TfL), London’s boroughs, the police and a range of other organisations will need to continue to collaborate and strive to make London’s roads even safer. TfL will continue to deliver its ambitious programme of safety improvements including the enforcement of Direct Vision Standard requirements, implementing the Streetspace programme in partnership with boroughs, lowering speed limits, working in partnership with the Metropolitan police to target enforcement and continuing programmes of education for road users.

Business Support to Stop Business Evictions

Leonie Cooper: Following the announcement of a new four week national lockdown until the 2nd December, should the current ban on evictions from commercial properties be extended beyond December 2020? And what further support is needed for businesses in London struggling to pay their rent?

The Mayor: Yes, because if the Government does not extend the Lease Forfeiture Moratorium beyond December 2020, hundreds of thousands of viable businesses could face eviction pushing many into bankruptcy. According to Remit Consulting, commercial tenants in the UK have withheld £1.5bn in rent payments per quarter and retailers have only paid half of the rent due since March this year.
However, I believe that without fiscal measures, the Government’s Moratorium and voluntary Code of Conduct for Commercial Property Relationships will be insufficient to address the crisis facing the commercial rented sector. This is why I have repeatedly urged the Government to get a handle on this issue. Most recently I wrote to the Prime Minister calling for a support scheme for small and medium-sized businesses that are struggling to meet their rent bills due to coronavirus.